Seattle Mariners Hot Stove: The Case For Bay

Take one look at the current Seattle Mariner’s roster and the need for a legitimate power bat becomes insanely apparent. The only player currently under contract who hit more than 20 home runs last season is Jose Lopez, with 25. Aside from that, the offense is pop-gun to say the least.

Enter: Jason Bay.

Not only is Bay the best power bat on the market, he’s one of the best power bats in the game. With four 30+ home run seasons to his credit Bay has shown the ability to hit for power in practically every situation. He hit well in the National League and the American League. He hit well in a pitcher’s park and a hitter’s park. He hit well for a last place team and a playoff team. The bottom line is that this guy is the difference-making, middle-of-the-lineup bat that the Mariners desperately crave. So what’s the downside?

Jason Bay critics will argue that his defense is below par and that he’ll probably be better suited as a DH in the foreseeable future. Oh, and let’s not forget he’s a right-handed hitter who would play half of his games in the righty death-trap that is SafeCo Field. All solid points, but I’d still sign Bay in a New York minute. Sure, his defense isn’t great, but if there’s ever a place for a sub-par fielder it’s in left. Plus, how much ground will Bay really need to cover with Franklin Gutierrez manning the left-field alley? As for the DH thing, I’d say this: Who cares? So what if Bay becomes a full-time DH at some point over the life of his contract? You’re paying for his bat, not his glove. If Bay keeps the seat warm for Dustin Ackley for a year or two, fine. If the M’s sign a better defensive left fielder, okay. If there’s ever a place that understands the value of a world-class DH isn’t it Seattle? Edgar Martinez carved out a hall-of-fame career as a DH, rarely stepping foot on the field. If the worst thing that happens is Bay becoming the new Edgar he’ll be worth every penny.

And what about playing in SafeCo Field? This argument makes me laugh. First, what are the Mariners supposed to do? Never even consider signing a big-name righty bat? Plus, it’s not like this rule about righties isn’t without exception. Remember the aforementioned Edgar Martinez? Or how about Alex Rodriguez, Brett Boone or Richie Sexson? All righties and all had great power years playing half their games at the dreaded Safe. And why are we forgetting about the other half of the games?!?! I’d love to have Jason Bay in places like The Ballpark at Arlington, Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium. Wouldn’t you?

I know it’s scary for a team to invest Bay-type dollars into a player with apparent shortcomings. This process would be much easier if every $20 million dollar player was a well refined, five-tool guy. But that’s simply not that case. Power is a rare commodity and commands huge dollars when up for auction on the open market. But all things considered, this market for Bay is pretty reasonable, especially when compared to what other power-bats of his ilk have recently signed for (see: Teixeira, Manny, A-Rod). He has his flaws, so his asking price is slightly reduced. This brings him right into the Mariners’ wheelhouse. And after all this, how can you forget that he’s from the Pacific Northwest (Trail, Canada to be exact) and has stated he would love to be a Mariner! Plus, he’s only 31 years old, just entering his prime as a power hitter. For all of the arguments that can be made against signing Jason Bay, I think there’s a pretty good one to be made in favor of it.